83 Cherokee resto-mod

[Laredo Matt]

No exciting progress. I've been spending a lot of time trying to find a Sanden/other brand fixed AC compressor that is a direct fit with my OE accessory drive. My OE compressor is variable and Vintage Air products require a fixed compressor.

I can't wait to get to suspension selection I've always been a motorcycle guy so started by looking into Ohlins first. I saw the price on their shocks and quickly decided Fox was more my budget.

[Yeller]

I’m running this bracket on my truck.

https://www.vintageair.com/custom/produ ... ?pn=141810

I used this one with the Sanden Mini compressor on another project and like it

https://www.kwikperf.com/k10291.html

[Laredo Matt]

@yeller, thanks for the links.

The VA bracket looks interesting.

I've got a Gen V LT1 engine but it looks similar (says LS but never know) so will have to talk to VA. My current OE design also runs the compressor off the inner four grooves of the harmonic balance but is from a truck so need to verify spacing requirements for that mount. Using ICT billet swap guide I'm a -3 spacing.

https://www.ictbillet.com/swap-guide/lt-swap-guide.html

Some more homework to see if the harmonic balnacers are same, routing etc. but fingers crossed

I’m running this bracket on my truck.

https://www.vintageair.com/custom/produ ... ?pn=141810

I used this one with the Sanden Mini compressor on another project and like it

https://www.kwikperf.com/k10291.html

[Yeller]

Keep in mind the compressor will come with a 6 groove pulley, it just uses the 4 groove belt. As for spacing some are the same as a truck and some are not, I’m just not completely up to speed on the 5th gen stuff

[Laredo Matt]

Keep in mind the compressor will come with a 6 groove pulley, it just uses the 4 groove belt. As for spacing some are the same as a truck and some are not, I’m just not completely up to speed on the 5th gen stuff

unfortunately, neither am I

Had I gone with an L83/6 it would be no problem. Tons of aftermarket parts and support. On the L8T there just aren't enough around so swap brackets and parts are few and far between.

Limited local resources in my area doesn't help. I'm getting a little better but still a long way to go. I think it was the right choice/power profile and in the end I'll be happy with but definitely have been multiple frustrations along the, mostly related to my lack of skill.

[CU4WHLN]

Keep in mind the compressor will come with a 6 groove pulley, it just uses the 4 groove belt. As for spacing some are the same as a truck and some are not, I’m just not completely up to speed on the 5th gen stuff

unfortunately, neither am I

Had I gone with an L83/6 it would be no problem. Tons of aftermarket parts and support. On the L8T there just aren't enough around so swap brackets and parts are few and far between.

Limited local resources in my area doesn't help. I'm getting a little better but still a long way to go. I think it was the right choice/power profile and in the end I'll be happy with but definitely have been multiple frustrations along the, mostly related to my lack of skill.

You can reuse the variable compressor as a "normal" one.

Take a look at this video for soem info:

https://www.standaloneharness.com/gen5-faq-videos.html

My L83 will use the original ac compressor. I used the ICT brackets to add a ps pump and mount the AC comp as well.

Good luck . . .

[83cherokeelaredo]

Hi Matt,
What an impressive job you are doing. I really like the ride height of your Cherokee. If you don't mind , could your explain to me how that was achieved. I would like a similar look for my '83 Laredo. My suspension is just as was brand new, no modifications.

Thanks, Frank

[83cherokeelaredo]

Here’s my Laredo before undergoing its current refurbishment.


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[Laredo Matt]

Hi Frank,

Unfortunately, I can't answer that directly. When I bought the jeep, the ride height was set. I'm using the leaf springs that were on it.

When I tore it down, and before I sand blasted it, there was a rough country stencil painted on the leaf springs. Shocks were also rough country but so rusted I wasn't able to identify which part.

I assumed it was a 3" lift but when I brought new brake lines I purchased lines for a 3" lift and they turned out to be too long. I returned those and purchased as set for 0-2" lift and they fit much better.

I've contacted some folks about getting some new leaf springs made for 2" lift that will have a little smoother ride. Not urgent and something I may do when the build is done and I get some miles on it to see how it drives.

matt

Hi Matt,
What an impressive job you are doing. I really like the ride height of your Cherokee. If you don't mind , could your explain to me how that was achieved. I would like a similar look for my '83 Laredo. My suspension is just as was brand new, no modifications.

Thanks, Frank

[Laredo Matt]

You can reuse the variable compressor as a "normal" one.

Take a look at this video for some info:

https://www.standaloneharness.com/gen5-faq-videos.html

My L83 will use the original ac compressor. I used the ICT brackets to add a ps pump and mount the AC comp as well.

Good luck . . .

thanks for the link @cu4whln

My harness probably needs some tweaks but the guys at standalone harness partner with speartech so can hopefully point me in the right direction.

I also heard back from @Sonoraed with similar direction so sounds like a path forward.

[83cherokeelaredo]

Hi Frank,

Unfortunately, I can't answer that directly. When I bought the jeep, the ride height was set. I'm using the leaf springs that were on it.

When I tore it down, and before I sand blasted it, there was a rough country stencil painted on the leaf springs. Shocks were also rough country but so rusted I wasn't able to identify which part.

I assumed it was a 3" lift but when I brought new brake lines I purchased lines for a 3" lift and they turned out to be too long. I returned those and purchased as set for 0-2" lift and they fit much better.

I've contacted some folks about getting some new leaf springs made for 2" lift that will have a little smoother ride. Not urgent and something I may do when the build is done and I get some miles on it to see how it drives.

matt

Hi Matt,
What an impressive job you are doing. I really like the ride height of your Cherokee. If you don't mind , could your explain to me how that was achieved. I would like a similar look for my '83 Laredo. My suspension is just as was brand new, no modifications.

Thanks, Frank

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[wimsurf]

Hey Matt,

how are you doing? any progress on your Jeep?

[Laredo Matt]

Some progress. Unfortunately, work has really picked up the last few months and I've had little time to work on it. Also just needed a break.

I was going to try and take it to a shop to get some mechanical work done; critical systems I'd like to make sure get done right given I've never done it before; fuel, brakes, hydroboost and possibly a four link suspension system.

Time has been my enemy and I would rather have final install and hook up done by a good shop just to be safe. Had a shop in Utah that I thought was going to do it. They've built full custom builds and I know folks who have used them for their wagoneer but the shop just went silent on me a few weeks back so think I'll have to find an alternative. I'm sure I can figure it out and may just have to do it myself but that will just push things out further.

Four link is off the table now. Maybe some day.

I did get my a/c compressor mount issue resolved. The guys at Mast Motorsports had a bracket for a Sanden compressor for the L8T truck configuration so that one is checked off.

Other than that, been doing a lot of little things that when done look like I did nothing

Had been checking in to see if you had any new posts. Will go check out the thread now to see what's new with your rig !

Hey Matt,

how are you doing? any progress on your Jeep?

[akguy09]

Matt,

Glad to see you're still plugging away at it a little at a time. Taking a break is a good thing. I've been at mine for 16months, and realized that I am going to just let it sit for a while. My plan it to start working on it again in March.

[SOLSAKS]

fine job !!

[sierrablue]

If you're still looking for 2" lift springs, I have a set of Ranchos (2) that I got for the '88, supposed to be like 2.5" or 1.5" or something, if you're interested. Brand new, never installed.

[Laredo Matt]

Haven't updated the thread in a while but still working. A lot of little stuff, not much picture worthy.

The jeep is at a shop right now getting custom rear axles, driveshafts, hydro-boost plumbed. Should be back in a couple of weeks.

Before dropping the jeep off, I was working on a lot of little things. Goal being to get it to a point I could start wiring when I get it back.

• Vintage Air gen V installed and rough plumbed through firewall
• Radiator and fan in
• New Sanden compressor installed (found the correct bracket at Mast motorsports)
• Some tweaks then painted/final install of PSC remote fluid reservoir. Took me three versions to get it shaped and spaced right
• Rear power window regulator/glass in
• Custom bits printed; filler panels for stereo/speaker cut out on the dash, mounting brackets for the InfinityBox power / master cells, wire guides (?) for front core support. I'm also having a few custom badges made for exterior and considering getting new center wheel hub covers done that will fit with the new wheels.

Since I dropped the jeep off I've shifted focus to getting a wiring plan done. I've been procrastinating on this but no more excuses now. Most/all of the core system diagrams are done. I'm still working on / figuring out some of the accessory stuff like parking sensors, back up camera etc.

Not a lot of interesting pictures to share but adding a few since pictures are always cool.



3D printed wire guide. They mount to inside top of core support. Thought I had a picture of them both mounted but couldn't find it. Most of the folks here probably know exactly where they go anyway.



A portion of wiring layout. Can't get the whole vehicle harness on one screen shot. I set up tabs so I have expanded view of individual sections; front, rear, console etc. with more detail as well. Should make future servicing easier if needed. Will print copies and stash in the rig somewhere just in case they're needed.



Made some changes in components along the way, including moving to a 1" thicker fan, and forgot to check new specs for clearance so had an OS moment when I went to install everything. Plenty of space. I did check this time to see if could run a supercharger in the future...it will work with factory pulleys so all good. Not that I'll ever do that but nice to know I could



Went with EzClip hoses for A/C. I pushed the A/C evaporator as close to the passenger kick panel as I could and it makes routing hoses very tight. The EzClip have smaller outside diameter (same I.D.) and grater bend radius so will just fit. It's also super easy to do connectors at home. At least the rough-in worked.



With inner fender and ECM/power cell mounted. Tight but works. Hoses route just to the outside edge of the mount so clear.



Front core support, fenders, dash etc. have all been on and off regularly. Will be easy when I finally do it the final time! Torn back down now but this look keeps me motivated seeing where I'm headed.

[SJohn]

What software are you using for your wiring diagrams? A year ago I started converting my marked up prints to AutoCAD drawings but abandoned it shortly after. I got tired of it hahaha

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[Laredo Matt]

Visio. Easy to use, includes libraries with all electrical symbols if you want to go crazy etc.

[Yeller]

Visio is what my machine design guy uses at work for the electrical and pneumatic schematics.